Glistening blue waters, incredible islands, virgin lagoons, exotic marine life, and clean beaches make Lakshadweep a slice of heaven on earth. Lakshadweep is surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Sea and is set at a distance of 450 kilometers (approx.) from the coast of Kerala. The cluster of 36 islands for sure makes Lakshadweep a tropical paradise. Comprising 10 inhabited islands, 5 submerged banks, 12 atolls, and 3 reefs, Lakshadweep is the smallest Indian Union Territory. Literally meaning one lakh islands, Lakshadweep is much of a lesser-explored gem of the country. Offering laidback vibes, this archipelago is a jewel for tourists who are looking forward to calming their senses while disconnecting from the mainstream crowd.
Lakshadweep attracts travel enthusiasts with its underwater activities. Its colorful coral colonies are best admired when you go scuba diving and snorkeling. This picturesque island group is not just about the underwater world but also entices vacationers with on-land attractions. Among the island group, only 10 are inhabited and among these only Kavaratti, Kadmat, Minicoy, Kalpeni, Agatti, and Bangaram are open for tourists. This famous tourist destination has been untouched by much human intervention. Thus, its scenic beauty is unparalleled. If you are looking forward to delight in the quintessential charm of nature’s excellence, this island group beckons you.
The capital city of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti Island. In addition to nature's bounty, the capital city opens its doors to bring you to museums, aquariums, several sports, and other attractions. The Ujra mosque is the most visited among other mosques here. Moreover, the islands within the vicinity of Lakshadweep are very well connected with local sea transportation. Including boats, jetties, ferries, and even helicopters. There are no private island resorts in Lakshadweep and neither does it have overwater floating bungalows.
Every island here has its own set of attractions to keep you on your toes and delighted to the core. Resting off the coast of Kerala, this place can be reached easily by air routes or waterways. As Southwest monsoon brings showers here, you will have the best vacation during the winter and spring months. Your holiday delight is enhanced with a stay at a beach resort here, imparting you the superior essence of comfortable accommodation.
Enjoy the best of both worlds at Lakshadweep. Indulge in tranquility, nature’s best, and adrenaline-rich activities at this island territory. For ardent holidaymakers like you, we present a complete travel guide to Lakshadweep Islands. Come, the tropical paradise of India Lakshadweep is calling!
Why Visit Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep is one of the best hubs for snorkeling in India. Here you can dive into the crystal clear water and be submerged into the treasures of the ocean. Lakshadweep is unspoiled, untouched, and unexplored by mass tourism and thus, you will feel revitalized away from the monotonous crowd. This archipelago has crystal clear waters, excellent marine life, and beautiful coral reefs that will leave you spellbound. Submerging into the fresh and blue waters, all the inhabited islands of Lakshadweep provide tourists to indulge in thrilling water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. Imagine your foot is drenched with soft white sand, and towering palm trees have swing rope attached against the blue sky. You can even witness the galaxies of unique fishes like lionfish. Sea cucumbers, and butterflyfish along with dolphins, and turtles. If you are looking for an unaffordable underwater experience in India without splashing the cash on international islands, bookmark Lakshadweep.
How to Reach Lakshadweep
It is not a brainer that if you want to reach Lakshadweep, you have only two options. One is air travel while the second one is ship/waterway. There are no railway stations in Lakshadweep since it is a tropical paradise wrapped within the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, road connectivity to Lakshadweep from any destination is impossible. But there are two main airports in Lakshadweep which are well connected with Cochin International Airport only. The first one is on Agatti Island while the second one is on Bangaram Island. Indian Airlines operated flights could be used for transportation. The average travel time between Cochin to Lakshadweep is around 3 hours (approx.).
Another great option to reach Lakshadweep is via ship/waterway! One needs to take any 1 of the 7 ships from Kochi to reach Lakshadweep. The shipping service operates overnight and takes around 12-14 hours (approx.). The passenger ship to Lakshadweep has a doctor onboard service, arrangements for snacks, and more!
How to Get Around Lakshadweep
You are not alone if you are searching for the answer to how to get around Lakshadweep. The not-so-common way of getting around Lakshadweep is renting a bicycle. It would be a good leg muscle workout for you if you want to explore the island you are staying on like a local. Moreover, walking tours within Lakshadweep are another big hit! It goes without saying that sea transportation in Lakshadweep, like ferries and boats, is the most suitable form of getting around Lakshadweep from one island to another. Did we mention that a few islands in Lakshadweep provide tourists the chance to hire and ride the hatchback, SUV, Sedan, and Hatchback?
Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep
Like every other destination on the planet, you can reach Lakshadweep throughout the year. Thanks to its operational resorts that remain open for welcoming tourists. But the opening of the resorts is not the only convincing reason as outdoor activities might get hampered during the monsoon. So the best time to visit Lakshadweep is September to February. During this season, tourism in Lakshadweep gets to boom annually. You will meet like-minded travelers, mainly couples, in the winter. Moreover, the winter season marks every possibility to indulge in watersports without the fear of the strong tides and waves. Although, summers from May to May are considered another good season to visit Lakshadweep with less humidity in comparison to monsoon which marks its presence from June till August.
Places to Visit in Lakshadweep
Satiate your love for secluded beaches and pristine blue waters at the best places to visit in Lakshadweep. Being an island paradise ringed by beautiful blue lagoons and brilliant coral reefs, you will find ample places in Lakshadweep for the holidays. Most of them you will be coming across would be beaches and islands. The sun-kissed beaches are dotted around the inhabited islands including Andrott Island, Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, and Kadmat Island. But that doesn't mean Lakshadweep does not have anything extra than its immaculate beaches. There is one Marine Museum on Kavaratti Island where you can learn the importance of aquatic life. Pitti Bird Sanctuary is another tourist's place to visit in Lakshadweep for bird watching activity.
Things to Do in Lakshadweep
The aqueous jewel of India, Lakshadweep has plenty of things to do with your near or dear ones. Indulge in long walks on the never-ending shorelines to manifest tranquility. Watch the sunset changing its hues from golden to pink and purple at any of the beaches or islands in Lakshadweep. Watch the rich collections of rare artifacts at Juma Masjid. Explore Kalpeni Island on foot as it is a small island. Quench your desire for watersports at Kadmat Island amidst the crystalline waters. Spot smoked tuna fish at Agatti Island. Relish seafood at Kalpeni Island after a leisure evening stroll on the beaches. Party animals can unlock the vibrant nightlife experience at Minicoy Island and Bangaram Island. Did we mention you can indulge in kite surfing, and canoeing, along with kayaking in Lakshadweep Islands?
How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Lakshadweep?
5-7 days is an ideal duration of holidaying in the lovely Lakshadweep. However, the number of days to quench your wanderlust in Lakshadweep hovers much around your budget, travel style, and intent of the holiday. If you are going for a honeymoon chances are high that you would want to extend your vacation for extra strokes of romance amidst the aquamarine waters. Those who are going for relaxation or leisure would get enough of it within 3-4 days.
Average Lakshadweep Trip Cost
The average Lakshadweep trip costs around 30,000 INR (approx.) per person for 3-4 days with meals, sightseeing, transfers, and accommodation. This is just a rough cost of a 3-star hotel. If you choose the 4 or 5 stars with activities charges, the average Lakshadweep trip cost would get increased.
Accommodation in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep has phenomenal accommodations that will leave you excited. In this tropical paradise, you will find economic range accommodation along with luxury accommodations. A few of the resorts are so plush and opulent that it will make you feel like you are at some foreign destinations. Bonfire, 24*7 hot water, and intriguing architecture make every accommodation in Lakshadweep a big hit. The average accommodation cost in Lakshadweep ranges from 2,000 INR to 10,000 INR (approx) per person.
Here we present you the best accommodations in Lakshadweep for your holidays:
- Seagate Holiday Home
- Agatti Island Beach Resort
- Kadam's Beach Resort
- Minicoy Island Beach Resort
Where to Eat in Lakshadweep
The staple cuisine of Lakshadweep is inspired by Kerala food. Malabar-style food, rice, sambar, rice, and fried tuna are a few of the famous foods to eat in Lakshadweep. However, you will find a range of cuisines in the luxury island resorts like Thinnakara Island, Kadmat Island, and Kavaratti Island. Meals in Lakshadweep start at 300 INR to 2,000 INR (approx.) for two persons.
If you are looking for where to eat in Lakshadweep places, take a look:
- Cafe de Saina
- Al Barath Restaurant
- Hotel Aboo’s
- Daily Dose Kavaratti
Shopping in Lakshadweep
Well, returning home from Lakshadweep without shopping for coconut powder and oil would be an injustice with your island vacation. You will find a range of markets in Lakshadweep dotted around the beachside. Buy seashells, candies for kids, and unique fabrics for your mother, sister, or wife! You will find a few lavish showrooms on Agatti Island, Minicoy Island, and Kadmat Island.
Here are a few of the best places for shopping in Lakshadweep:
- Thele Fole Tea Shop at Minicoy Island
- Thavakkal Clothing Store at Agatti Island
-
Muhammad Mustafa Super Market at Kavaratti Island
Useful Tips for A Trip to Lakshadweep
- National carrier Air India operates with good frequency from Cochin International Airport
- A permit is required for Indians to travel to Lakshadweep which could be obtained at Kochi Airport or ask your holiday planner to arrange it for you!
- Monsoon is the most humid season of the year and outdoor activities might get hampered
- Helicopter transfer from one island to another is the best mode of transportation during monsoon
- Summers with an average high of 35 degrees Celsius could be considered for holidays
- Winter is the best time to visit Lakshadweep
- Bangaram Island is the only place in Lakshadweep where you can buy alcohol
